What makes us sneeze?

A team led by researchers at the School of Medicine has identified, in mice, specific cells and proteins that control the sneeze reflex. Better understanding of what causes sneezing may point to treatments to slow the spread of infectious respiratory diseases.

Buckley awarded $4.9M to develop astronomy mission

James H. Buckley, professor of physics in Arts & Sciences, received a $4.9 million award from NASA to build a demonstration version of a large satellite experiment for gamma-ray astronomy research. The instrument is expected to launch on a scientific balloon in 2024.

Calter appointed vice provost and university librarian

Mimi Calter, deputy university librarian at Stanford University, has been appointed vice provost and university librarian at Washington University, according to Provost Beverly Wendland. Calter will join the university in the fall.

Lee named head of Department of Neurology

Jin-Moo Lee, MD, PhD, recognized internationally for his research on the cellular and molecular pathophysiology of brain injury, has been named head of neurology and the Andrew B. and Gretchen P. Jones Professor of Neurology at the School of Medicine.

Incentivize domestic drug production to fight shortages

Tony Sardella at Olin Business School conducted research on the shortage of critical pharmaceutical drugs in the United States. One solution, the study found, is to bring production of critical pharmaceuticals back within the U.S.

Announcements

University joins amicus brief on student training

Washington University joined 150 other higher education institutions this week in signing on to an amicus brief in ongoing litigation in federal court, supporting the Optional Practical Training program and the international students who benefit from it.

Announcements

Kemper Art Museum reopens to public

The Kemper Art Museum has reopened to the general public. Visitors to campus should complete the university’s self-screening. WashU students, faculty and staff should continue to follow university COVID-19 safety protocols. All visitors must wear masks and practice social distancing.

Research Wire

Google is supporting the research of Damena Agonafer, assistant professor at the McKelvey School of Engineering. Agonafer’s lab is working to develop an evaporative cooling module, which will work to dissipate heat from data centers.

Notables

The HistoryMakers, the nation’s largest African American video oral-history archive, has selected rising senior Jordan Lee as a 2021-22 Student Brand Ambassador.

Regina Abel, occupational therapy instructor, 70

Regina Abel, an instructor in occupational therapy and in medicine at the School of Medicine, died June 15 in St. Louis following a heart attack. She was 70. An expert in animal-assisted therapy, she focused on animals’ role in rehabilitation and education.